Government donates to tidal wave victims

Accra, Sept. 26, GNA - The Minister of Interior, Dr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor on Friday donated relief items to victims of tidal waves which occurred about two weeks ago at Glefe in the Ablekuma South Constituency in Accra.

The items, which included five bales of used clothes, 100 containers, 30 bags of rice, 100 bags of maize, 100 buckets and 50 basins were donated to the victims shortly after the Minister had visited the Beach. The minister said the waves occurred as result of global warming, which was a global phenomenon and had been happening throughout the world.

Dr Addo-Kufuor said in the last six weeks, his Ministry had visited some parts of the country where this same problem had occurred and had rendered people homeless. He said government's response to their plight was in two categories - first to present relief items to the victims and second to erect structures such as sea defence wall which would guard against any future occurrences of the tidal waves.

The waves, which occurred on August 22, claimed one life, rendered many people homeless and left one woman seriously injured. Mr Addo-Kufuor advised the people to cooperate with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to stop the practice of sand winning and building at unauthorised places, which, he cited as another factor responsible for the waves destroying their buildings and properties. "While government is providing resources to meet your needs, make sure you stop sand winning and other practices so as to live comfortably in Glefe."

He further advised against littering at the beach and urged them to keep their surroundings clean to avoid diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea. The minister assured them of government's support towards the construction of a new road and other amenities to make life comfortable for them. Among those present at the ceremony were officials of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and committee members of the Ablekuma South Constituency. The Minister also visited the injured victim who is on admission at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and donated GHc 200 to help in footing the bill of the woman.